"I want them to compete and see who the guy is that has the pressure on him and gets it done,'' said Petrino, one of six assistants who stepped onto the Illini practice field for the first time. "Hopefully by the end of spring, somebody takes the lead.''

If not, Petrino wouldn't be overly concerned by letting the battle continue through the summer seven-on-seven passing sessions and Camp Rantoul. Picking a quarterback is the key decision for a program that posted a 3-9 record overall and 2-6 in the Big Ten.

The losing season triggered an overhaul in the coaching staff. Four coaches were fired and two others took positions at other schools. Another coach was demoted. The new hires were learning the strengths of the roster and grasping the local knowledge.

"The only thing I forgot to tell them was to dress warmer than it looks,'' said coach Ron Zook, referring to the shady practice fields on Memorial Stadium's east side. Otherwise, Petrino and defensive coordinator Vic Koenning were busy taking control of each side of the ball.

The changes with Petrino's offense were easy to see. The shotgun, for the most part, has been put away. Illini quarterbacks took most snaps under center Tuesday. Those three quarterbacks all bring something different to the mix.

With Williams' career complete after setting a school record with 10,594 total yards, "it's a little more weight on your shoulders,'' said 6-foot-4, 215-pound Charest, who started one game and played in four last season. "You know you're responsible for leading everybody out here and a big part if you win or lose games.''

Scheelhaase gained nearly 20 pounds, and the 6-3, 195-pounder is "a little quicker with my feet,'' he said. "That's me. I can run around a bit. I've got a mind for the game. I hope that's the thing that puts me over the edge.''

The 5-11, 190-pound Whitmer is smaller than the other two quarterbacks, but the rookie from Downers Grove South showed off the best arm, Petrino said.

"He's more of a pure guy who can drop back and hum it,'' Petrino said. "He throws it hard and has a nice motion.''

Senior Eddie McGee, who spent time at quarterback for three years, will concentrate this year on the receiver position.

Receivers A.J. Jenkins and Jarred Fayson impressed Petrino, whose philosophy is: Feed the Studs. If so, he plans on giving the ball to junior Mikel Leshoure, the leading rusher last season who reshaped his body again. Leshoure weighs the same 220 pounds as last season but looks leaner. That's after dropping 17 pounds from his freshman year.

Petrino kept busy getting to know the players since he was hired in December.

"He calls you all the time,'' Jenkins said.

Replied Petrino: "We've got to be a fist as players and coaches. The more you know them, the more you can coach them better. You know what buttons to push.''

NOTE: Zook changed his mind and opened practice to the public and media Tuesday. Weekend scrimmages and the spring game on April 24 are open to the public, but the policy for weekday practices hasn't been determined. … Safety Garrett Edwards retired from football after a neck injury last season. … Sophomore Graham Pocic will apparently get some snaps at center in a battle with Tyler Sands.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.

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